TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
I am a "practicing professional". I agree that technical communication
includes many areas that are not that "technical". I would rather use
a book on hand-raising exotic birds written by a tech writer with good
resources than one written by a breeder who couldn't organize information
or express himself logically.
I write technical manuals in the software industry. My degree is in English.
I would venture to say that most senior and managing technical writers do
not have a degree specifically in technical writing. The degree itself is
too new for managers to have gotten a degree in tech writing and have put
in the years required to move up into management. However, I also have to
admit that now that we are thinking of expanding my one-person department, I
will be looking for someone with a degree in tech writing. I guess that
just shows how the expectations change for an entry-level person as the
career field itself changes.
-maria
P.S. I don't eat quiche.
Domain: maria -at- msd -dot- measurex -dot- com Maria Townsley Technical Writer
UUCP: ...uunet!mxmsd!maria Measurex
Management Systems Division
Voice: (513)-825-3931 x-316 1280 Kemper Meadow Drive
Fax: (513)-825-5393 Cincinnati, Ohio 45240
